Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has handed over 24 Roxxette Trucks to members of the 8th House of Assembly to aid their oversight functions.
Speaking during the official presentation at Nvosi Isialangwa South LGA, the Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting indigenous Manufacturers.
Governor Otti stated that his policy prioritizes the patronage of indigenous products whenever they meet the required standards, highlighting the growth of Local industries, particularly in Aba, as a testament to the success of the approach.
“I have a policy of patronizing indigenous manufacturers if they are available. It is only when we don’t have locally made alternatives that we look elsewhere.
“It is only when we don’t have locally made alternatives that we look elsewhere.
“This policy is working and we see a lot of improvements in our products particularly, in Aba. Even this shoe that I am wearing is made in Aba”,he said.
Governor Otti while highlighting the progress of Roxxette Vehicle Manufacturing Company owned by an Abia indigene from Umunneochi LGA, also revealed that he had advised the entrepreneur to establish the factory in Abia.
“He approached me in 2022, just before the electioneering campaign, and I told him to wait. By the grace of God, when I got in, I gave him a place at Ukwa to set up the factory.
Today, the road to that place in Obuaku is almost completed, and his factory is coming up very well,” Governor Otti said.
The Governor who also addressed concerns about quality of products and production of counterfeit goods, said his administration is supporting the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in its fight against adulterated food, drugs, and beverages.
He acknowledged the need for indigenous manufacturers to improve their standards as well as embrace their identity rather than branding their products with foreign labels.
“What we are doing now is encouraging them to boldly put their names instead of writing Prada, Gucci, or Fendi. If you make your shoes, put Emeka, Obioma, Iheoma, or Chioma. Be proud. If they don’t want to buy, that’s their business,” he stated.
He noted that plans are underway by his administration to establish an export growth Lab with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with the aim to upscale the quality of the products from Local manufacturers so as to meet global standards.
The Governor used the occasion to welcome the Member Representing Isialangwa South State Constituency, Hon. Roland Chinwendu, who recently joined the Labour Party.
He reiterated his administration’s open-door policy, noting that his Government would work amicably with all legislators, regardless of their political affiliations.
“You know the way we operate, we didn’t put anybody under pressure. The door is open, we are willing to receive you.
“If you want to remain where you are, we will also work together amicably”, Gov Otti assured.
Responding on behalf of the State House of Assembly, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Okezie Nmeregini, thanked the Governor for providing the House members with operational vehicles for their oversight functions and assured him of their continuous support.
He described the gesture as sense of purpose and pride for the lawmakers especially with the trucks assembled by an indigenous Abia Manufacturer.
“We want to say a big thank you for giving us these operational vehicles and secondly for leading us to understand the need and the urgency to appreciate locally made products.
“This is actually the second vehicle you are giving to the 8th Assembly”, he noted.
